Taste of Thai!

This weekend we were super enthusiastic about planning meals for the upcoming week.  Preparing meals ahead of time is a surefire way to make sure you have something healthy on hand when you are busy during the work week.
I know the feeling at about 3 o'clock when my mind begins wandering to what we will have for dinner (instead of keeping my mind on work like I should be).  I always think, what's in the fridge, what meal/cuisine haven't we had this week, what will Dustin want for dinner and how many times will he change his mind between now and 5 o'clock?
Last thought; 'Let's just go out for dinner.'
WRONG!
Well, okay. Somedays you just have to throw up your hands and say "It's a Taco Time night!"

Not this week!
A very taste-of-thai dinner we had with leftovers for tomorrow and the rest of the week.  Tom Ka Gai (coconut/chicken soup) and Som Tam Thai (green papaya salad, pictured below).

Garnished with shredded carrot and green cabbage and raw peanut pieces, this dish is refreshing with a lime dressing.

This soup is relatively easy to make...

IF...

... that is a big if, you have all the ingredients.  We made a trip yesterday to Viet Wah in Chinatown for the galangal, lemongrass, thai chilis, cans of coconut milk and lime leaves.  But it is so worth the trip for the special ingredients.  If you've ever ordered this creamy, citrus-y soup from a restaurant you know what I mean.

We are very satisfied, and ready to settle into bed and watch a couple of episodes of Portlandia after all that work in the kitchen!